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Ford Mustang concept models pointed down a different road

The story of the now-50-year-old Ford Mustang could have turned out much differently, as this gallery of concept sketches and models shows. Here, the 1970 Mustang Milano Concept blended a hatchback with aggressive stance and tight dimensions, all dressed up in plum purple.

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Ford Mustang concept models pointed down a different road

The story of the now-50-year-old Ford Mustang could have turned out much differently, as this gallery of concept sketches and models shows. Here, the 1970 Mustang Milano Concept blended a hatchback with aggressive stance and tight dimensions, all dressed up in plum purple. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

As the sporty-coupe (and future Mustang) prototype dubbed Avventura moved from sketch to physical design model, the hatch was replaced with a trunk and the rear seat was switched to a more conventional forward-facing orientation. Originally shown internally as Avanti, the name was eventually changed to Allegro, likely because Studebaker had introduced its own production Avanti coupe around the same time. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

Although it was probably never seriously considered for production as a Mustang, this hard-top variation of the Mustang 1 concept from 1962 did provide some inspiration for the GT40 MK I that would race at Le Mans and elsewhere beginning in 1964. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

Early Mustang Sketch: In 1962, Ford Designer Jack Telnack sketched a proposal for the original Mustang fastback. The rear end of the car bears the name Cougar, which was the code name for the Mustang project until the actual Mustang name was approved. Photo provided Ford Motor Co.

When you have a product as successful as the Mustang, you invariably have to consider how to capitalize on the idea. While Mustang used the platform of the compact Falcon as its starting point, this four-door Mustang proposed in 1965 could have brought the idea full circle by adding two doors to the pony car. Fortunately for Mustang fans, cooler heads prevailed. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

In mid-1971, the Ford-owned Ghia design studio in Italy was asked to prepare two proposals for a fastback and a hardtop. This three-door hatchback led the way to a sleeker-looking theme for Mustang II including the molded-in faux side scoops, one of the few details that actually survived for production. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

Early in the Mustang II program, designers looked at retaining the larger 1971-to-1973 platform with a completely new design. This 1971 proposal for the 1974 Mustang II was built on the 109-inch wheelbase, but aside from the galloping pony badge on the grille, almost nothing about it says Mustang. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

1970 Boss 302 Mustang: This high-performance variant was produced from 1969 to 1970, followed by a revival in 2012 to 2013. A ram air "Shaker" hood scoop (pictured) was offered on any Mustang equipped with a 351-cid or larger V-8. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

The fastback layout of the fourth-generation 1994 Mustang proposal named Rambo meant the car would likely have been a liftback, which was abandoned in production for the first time since the 1974 Mustang II. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

Boasting a tail from the 1970 Fastback, a huge front splitter and deep rear diffuser with rounded styling elsewhere, this looks more Matchbox dream than production reality on this fourth-generation 1994 Mustang concept sketch. Provided by Ford Motor Co.

The 1993 Mach III provided the first public hints of the new design direction that was coming for the fourth-generation Mustang. While classic elements like the grille pony badge, side scoops and tri-bar taillamps were included on the 1994 Mustang, the two-seater layout and the low-cut speedster windshield have never been part of a regular production Mustang. Photo provided Ford Motor Co.

Mark Fields, chief operating officer of Ford Motor Co., shows off cuff links given to him by a former Ford employee who worked when the first Mustang was sold in 1964. The employee received them after Ford surpassed its sales goal during the introduction of the new Ford Mustang. Romain Blanquart/Detroit Free Press/MCT

The Ford Mustang was introduced in April 1964, creating an entirely new class of transportation, the pony car. Chevrolet introduced the Camaro three years later, creating one of the most enduring rivalries in the automotive industry, as commemorated in this recent Camaro advertisement. Provided by Chevrolet

Mustang celebrates its 50th anniversary with an all-new model. 2015 Ford Mustang convertible owners enjoy an insulated cloth top that lowers twice as fast as before. Prices will start around $30,000 later in 2014. Provided by Ford

The new Ford Mustang was unveiled at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn, Mich., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The Mustang will be available with three engines: 5.0-liter V8, 3.7-liter and the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Romain Blanquart MCT

Edsel Ford II stands by the new Ford Mustang at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn, Mich., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. The Mustang will be available with three engines: 5.0-liter V8, 3.7-liter and the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Romain Blanquart MCT